The soundtrack of the American south-west would be incomplete without two unique Texas music forms: conjunto and tejano. Many have heard of the superstar conjunto accordionist Flaco Jiménez, while the killing of tejano idol Selena Quintanilla-Pérez made headlines. But these are just two among hundreds of performers who have created a rich, soulful musical identity for millions of Americans over more than a century.

Conjunto is roots music, similar to blues or country, and began on the farms and ranches of southern Texas at the end of the 19th century. As they worked the land together, Mexican, Czech and German immigrants shared their musical traditions, blending accordions and polkas with classic Mexican folk music. This fusion yielded an irresistible, danceable beat with infectious melodies set to lyrics expressing themes of love and loss.

Later, pejoratively referred to as "cantina music", conjunto was a working-class phenomenon, while orquesta – which was heavily influenced by big band and jazz – became the music of the burgeoning Mexican-American middle class in the 1950s and 60s. Since the end of the 60s and into the early 70s, the music has evolved, adopting the label "tejano", and borrowing sounds from rock, R&B, country and other genres.

One of a new breed of conjunto artists, Randy Garcia, left, performs at the 2013 Rancho Alegre Conjunto festival

Conjunto and tejano are suffering, though. Gone is the Grammy award category for best tejano album, along with the big record labels, and most terrestrial radio stations. Gone are many of the big dancehalls where the music is best experienced. But, thanks to independent record labels, social media, the few remaining broadcast stations, and the rise of internet radio, it will survive. Conjunto, in particular, is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with an explosion of very young groups playing festivals alongside masters in their 70s.

For fans from south Texas to Austin, Albuquerque, Arizona and beyond, this is more than music, it's personal. It's who they are. For Texas and the south-west, conjunto and tejano are unique parts of the musical landscape that visitors should sample before they leave … along with a big plate of enchilada, rice and beans, and, of course, barbecue.